Want to be known as good actress: Wamiqa

Wamiqa Gabbi of 'Bhale Manchi Roju' fame is seen in a true-to-life character in 'Nannu Vadili Neevu Polevule'. Saying that this film will be a better launch in Telugu than 'Bhale Manchi Roju', the Punjabi girl talks about how the film happened, why girls and boys will relate to it, and more.  

You have played a performance-oriented role in this film. How well were you received in Tamil (Maalai Naerathu Mayakkam)?

In Tamil, I got appreciated for my acting.On first day after the show ended, I was given a standing ovation by the frontbenchers. I thank Githanjali Selvaraghavan mam and Selvaraghavan sir for giving me this role.

You have played an uncommon role in the film.What are your expectations from 'Nannu Vadili Neevu Polevule' here in the Telugu States?

Yes, Manoja (her character's name) is a complicated girl. She looks quite modern, but her thinking is conventional. The character has got different shades. The film deals with relationships, both pre- and post-marriage. I am sure that this film will be bigger for me than 'Bhale Manchi Roju'.  

What is so unique about this film? Why should the audience watch it?

I call this film a realistic relationship drama. It's so true-to-life, be it the situations, dialogues, or the characters. For example, Manoja's character reflects the thinking of many girls and boys.  We all are complicated emotionally. Manoja wants to fall in love. She keeps waiting for her man. Then the film delves into the complications she has to contend with, and her struggles. She eventually emerges stronger. The story and screenplay are very realistic. Sans glitz and glamour, the proceedings are so relatable.  

How was it working with a female director?

I felt very comfortable working with Githanjali mam. It was convenient to discuss openly and freely with her.  

Are you from a filmy background? How have your parents reacted to you becoming an actress?

I have no filmy background. My father is a poet, and my mother runs a school. My brother is into music and theater. My father is an artiste and so am I. My parents were really happy when they watched the Tamil version in a Chennai theatre. They couldn't see Wamiqa in the movie. They saw Manoja. It's because of the way my character has been portrayed. I don't even wear make-up. If I came to the location with some make-up on, they would make me remove it!  

Why were you not interested to act in this film?

I can't believe that I was so stupid to reject this offer when it was first offered to me. Even after three months when they called me, I gave the audition in Chennai without much expectations.  I am a Punjabi girl and having done only some Hindi films, I never thought that I will act in a South Indian film where language constraints are severe for a North Indian girl like me. That's the reason why I was initially not interested in this film. (Bhale Manchi Roju happened after this one).

How do you see your career shaping up?

I hope I will get more number of offers after 'Ninnu Vadili Neevu Polevule' than what I got after Bhale Manchi Roju. It's because the whole story revolves around me. I am there in almost all the scenes. I don't have any ambition to become a star actress. I want to do good roles. I just hope that people will remember me for my acting. Tey should remember my characters more than me.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have started shooting for a Malayalam film where I am playing a Punjabi girl. It's a sports comedy.